Dionaea muscipula Red Dragon (Shipped Bare-Root)

Registered by Ron Gagliardo of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in 1998, Red Dragon (also known as Akai Ryu, Japanese for Red Dragon) was developed before 1996. Growth habit and flower morphology are typical for the species, but the leaf petiole, blade, and trap exhibit dark maroon to burgundy coloration throughout the year. Any green coloration appears only around the center of the plant in mid-winter. Even under laboratory conditions with elevated nutrient levels the plants maintain partial burgundy coloration, demonstrating that the pigmentation is genetically stable and not solely a response to light intensity. One of the foundational all-red registered cultivars.

Care Requirements

Light — 6+ hours of direct sun daily. A south-facing window or outdoor placement in full sun is ideal.

Water — Pure water only, under 50ppm dissolved solids. Use distilled, reverse osmosis, or collected rainwater. Most tap water will not work. Keep roots sitting in a shallow tray of water.

Soil — Pure peat moss or long-fiber sphagnum, with optional perlite or sand added for drainage. Garden soil will not work.

Dormancy — Required. Allow 3 to 4 months of cold dormancy each winter for long-term health.

Hardiness — Zones 7–10 outdoors, or overwinter indoors in a cool location.

Shipping & What to Expect

Our bare root Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytraps) are shipped according to their natural growing cycle. During the active growing season (spring through early fall), you'll receive a plant with live traps, often in vibrant color. In the winter months, Venus flytraps naturally enter dormancy and will be shipped without leaves or with small winter rosettes — this is completely normal and essential for the plant's long-term health.

Please note that the plant and photo shown are representative of the variety but not the exact plant you will receive. Each plant is unique, and we guarantee a healthy, established rhizome ready to grow.